Raman’s Salutation To The Donkeys

The Royal teacher Tathacharya belong to Vaishnavite sect and worshipped Vishnu. He disregarded the Smarthas who were followers of Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Since he looked down on the Smarthas, Tathacharya always covered his face with a cloth while going out so that he may not have to see the face of any Smartha. Everyone, including the king, was angry because of his behaviour. So, the people and the king himself requested Tenali to solve this problem.

So, after listening to everyone, Tenali went to Tathacharya’s house to pay him a visit. As soon as he saw Tenali, he covered his face. Seeing this, Tenali asked him why he was covering his face in front of his disciple. Tatacharya told him that Smarthas were sinners and if he saw their face, he would be a donkey in his next birth. Hearing this, Tenali found a way to teach Tathacharya a lesson.

After a few days, Tenali had accompanied the King, Tathacharya, and all the courtiers for a picnic. When they were returning, he saw some donkeys on the way. On seeing them, he rushed towards the donkeys, and he bent down to salute them.

Everyone, including the king, was shocked to see that. The king asked Tenali what made him do so? Tenali told the king that he was paying his respect to Tathacharya’s ancestors and forefathers who had become donkeys after having sinned by looking at the face of Smarthas.

The king understood Tenali’s humour, and Tathacharya was ashamed of himself. Tathacharya never covered his face from then on.

Moral
Never judge people based on their caste or religion.